WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 1997: Re: Adenomyosis....what is it?/ For Dr. Hill

Re: Adenomyosis....what is it?/ For Dr. Hill

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 18 Nov 1997 19:10:53 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Melissa: "Re: Adenomyosis....what is it?/ For Dr. Hill"

At Mon, 17 Nov 1997, Melissa wrote:

>I have been diagnosed with endo, and belong to a LISTSERV of about 800 women
>with endo. I've seen adenomyosis mentioned by a lot of the women. Do they
>go hand in hand with one another? If not, am I at an increased risk of
>getting this because I already have endo?

Melissa-

Because adenomyosis is very difficult to diagnose nobody knows the incidence in women, whether they have endometriosis or not. An MRI, which runs about $1000, can help make the diagnosis, but the only sure way to diagnose adenomyosis is a biopsy of the uterus itself. Of course, the best way to do this is via a hysterectomy. Endometriosis can be diagnosed by much less invasive methods (laparoscopy). So, while both endometriosis and adenomyosis are underdiagnosed, adenomyosis is probably much more common than we know.

I don't know of a direct link between adenomyosis and endometriosis. In any event, unless you do a hysterectomy (or autopsy) on every woman with endometriosis, you will never know the true link, one way or the other.

>In my lap operative report last year, my doctor said I had an "extremely
>congested uterus, pelvic walls, and the adnexa." IS this the same thing as
>"pelvic congestion"?

I suspect your doctor is describing pelvic congestion in the operative note. This condition, which is somewhat controversial, can cause pelvic pain, and, in particular, pressure. Some medications like non-narcotic pain pills, may help these symptoms, but some women require either embolization (creating a small clot to block the blood vessels via a tiny catheter inserted in your groin veins) or hysterectomy for definitive treatment.

-- Ashley Hill D. Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, FL http://www.gate.net/~dahmd

I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail due to time constraints.

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